At St. Joseph School, technology is integrated into all aspects of our curriculum as we aim to provide our students with the productivity tools needed to facilitate digital learning. Our teachers utilize varied instructional techniques to create enhanced age-appropriate learning opportunities for our students. Using various devices and web-based programs in the classroom, our students receive instruction and participate in more create, productive lessons.
Benefits of integrating technology into our curriculum for all K-8 students include:
- Increased engagement in instructional materials through use of interactive Promethean Panels, Webcams, and Document Cameras
- Ability to share and collaborate with other students
- Opportunities to perform creative and interactive exercises
- Becoming comfortable with using technology to learn independently and within collaborative groups
- Prepares students for High School and beyond with fundamentals of proper technology use
Benefits for Parents:
- SchoolSpeak Parent Portal allows parents to see student grades, homework status, and progress in real time
- Securly Parent Portal allows parents to monitor and control internet usage
- Parents can view student assignment, lessons, and materials via Google Classroom or SeeSaw
Grade-level Advanced Technology Approach:
Kindergarten through 1st Grade
- 1:1 Tablet Program with web-based programs in the classroom
- Instruction on various engaging web-based activities designed to develop computer and typing skills
- SeeSaw Learning Platform enables students and parents to quickly find assignments
2nd through 5th Grade
- Utilization of technology to integrate skills and curriculum across all subjects
- Learn to perform literacy and math exercises, graphing and other applications on 1:1 Chromebooks
- Students are introduced to Google Classroom and Google Suite which will carry them through High School
6th through 8th Grade
- 1:1 Take-Home Chromebooks
- Fosters student-led instruction, presentations, and collaboration through online productivity tools
- Computer-based examinations provide quicker turnaround on performance and development
- Access to on-line resources for classroom research and other web-based applications
- Electronic textbooks (for some subjects) allowing portability and ease in navigation
All K-8 students receive in-classroom instruction on:
- Computer components and keyboarding skills
- Digital citizenship skills appropriate to each grade level
- Navigation of on-line educational games and resources
- Working in Google Classroom and Google Suite
Students learn how to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations appropriate to each grade level. In addition, our students learn how to use video recording devices and digital cameras for incorporating into projects and presentations.
Additional technology facts:
- All computers and servers are installed with filters to protect students from accessing objectionable content. St. Joseph School is fully compliant with Children Internet Protection Act and Child Online Protection Act regulations. We are one of only three schools in the Diocese of Joliet to use a new, powerful web filter featuring a parent portal – allowing parents to check their student’s searches and internet usage in real time.
- St. Joseph School students and parents sign an Acceptable Use Agreement form which governs students’ conduct with regards to school equipment, the school network and the Internet.